Convertible type furniture



March 12, 1963 R. c. HEISLER CONVERTIBLE TYPE FURNITURE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 2. 1960 INVENTOR.

ROBE C. HEISLER March 12, 1963 R. c. HEISLER 3,08

CONVERTIBLE TYPE FURNITURE FilGd D80. 2, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

ROBERT C. HEISLER March 12, 1963 R. c. HEISLER 3,080,574

CONVERTIBLE TYPE FURNITURE Filed D80. 2, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 74 INVENTOR.

ROBERT C. HEISLER United States Patent EJ380574 CONVERTEBLE TYPE FURNITURE Robert C. Heisler, Pines Lake, N1, assignor to The Heisler Company, Caldwell, NJ, a firm Filed Dec. 2, 1960, Ser. No. 73,243 4- Claims. (Cl. -21) This invention relates to an improvement in convertible ype furniture and more specifically to those referred to as sofa beds or chair beds, in which are provided means for converting the seat of either a sofa or chair into a sleeping unit.

Modern requirements are such that often it is desirable for dual purpose furnishings to be utilized in the dwelling unit. One of the most needed and used facilities are those which permit living room furniture units to be converted into beds or cots for sleeping. Good taste requires that in so far as possible, the living areas do not appear to be also sleeping quarters. For this reason, many dual purpose living room pieces of furniture are made and used.

To provide an economical, easily operable, decorative furniture unit is a prime object of this invention.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a novel furniture unit which is highly satisfactory as a chair or sofa seat and also as a sleeping bed or cot.

It is also an object of this invention to provide novel and simple mechanical construction for easily converting a seat means to a sleeping means, the mechanical construction to provide a trouble free, facile operation.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a mechanical construction that will permit the operation of the device with little possibility of entanglement or jamming by bed linen.

To meet the requirements of modern decoration the combination seating unit must appear as a desirable piece of furniture appealing as to both style and comfort, in addition it is necessary that a simple easy operation will convert the piece of furniture into an eminently satisfactory sleeping medium. Both these requirements are fulfilled by my invention whereby is provided a structural formed unit, a lower swing frame and a slideable upper frame. Proper supporting means are provided through legs and rollers to allow the expansion of the seat to form a sleeping unit, and by the provision of a doubled cushion which unfolded provides a mattress upon said frame elements.

This invention further consists of various features of construction and combination of parts, the advantages of which and a fuller understanding thereof will be apparent by referring to the following description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a partial top plan view.

FIGURE 2 is a side view showing the arrangement of the various elements in a closed position.

FIGURE 3 is a partial front view showing the same relative portion of the frame structure as in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a side view of the frame structure in an expanded position and with the frame structure placed in the furniture unit.

FIGURE 5 is a partial top view of cable hook arrangement to raise the lower frame.

FIGURE 6 is a side view showing spring assist and cable hook arrangement.

FIGURE 7 is a top plan partial view showing the lock and stop arrangement of the leg construction.

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view along $8 of FIGURE 7 revealing the location of the stop.

FIGURE 9 is a partial top view of the rear rollerand detent.

FIGURE 10 is a partial side view of the rear roller and detent.

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the upper frame.

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of the lower frame.

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of the lower supporting unit.

FiGURE 14 is a perspective view layout of the cable arrangement for maintaining alignment.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings.

The upper frame 30 has side members extending beyond the rear cross member. On to these extensions are rollers 31 mounted upon brackets 32. In the front in cluded corner angle is leg bracket 33, which both strenghens the frame and furnishes a support for the legs. Holes 34 are for the afilxing of cable clamps to the upper frame. Cable clips 35 are fastened to tie braces 36. Tie braces 36 are substantially parallel to the end elements of the frame.

The middle or swing frame 40 is not as long as the upper frame 30. To the frame 40' is fastened the links 41 and 42 by means of headed rivets 43. Links 42 are longer than links -41. Cable assemblies 44 are threaded through holes 45 to form loops. These cables are looped over the tie braces 36 of the upper frame 34]. These assemblies 44 being slideable on tie braces 36 of the upper frame enable the upper frame 30 to be at rest over swing frame 4%. When upper frame 30 is pulled outwardly these loop means slide on braces 36 until the clips 35 engage the loops whence the swing frame 40 then starts to move forward. As the swing frame 40 moves forward the links 41 and 42 will cause the frame to move upwardly until it reaches the level of the upper frame 30.

The bottom support unit consists of a platform plate 5d fastened to clips 51. To the clips 51 are runner angles 52. to the front of which a bracket 53 is aifixed and to which is mounted a grooved roller 54. On the platform runner angle 52 the bracket is also fastened to rear frame plate 63.

In FIGURE 4 is shown the mechanism in an expanded position whereby the frame 64 is designated as of wood as the preferred embodiment. To frame 60 are afiixed front legs 61 and rear legs '62. The rear frame stringer 63 supports the back 64. On upper rollable frame 39 is a spring section 65 if desired for greater resiliency of seat or bed. i

If the spring section is omitted then 65 can be any supporting means such as plywood or pressed fiber board. To section 65 is fastened a resilient unit 66A, this unit 66A in the preferred embodiment is of a foam rubber or similar construction. To complement cushion 66A is another cushion 6613 used for a mattress on the swinging frame 49. Cushion 66A may be fastened to 663 by means of a cloth hinge or similar arrangement, however, this is not necessary unless desired in the general arrangement; If a spring section 66 is fastened to top rollable section 30, then a corresponding spring section '68 is affixed to lower frame 40. This varrangement permits the two frames to offer the same sleeping characteristics when used as a bed. For the sake of design, it is often desirable to have a board across the front of the Within the frame 30 are two brackets 33 and thesebrackets 33 form a support for thefront swinging roller see ers 3 legs 71 Legs 7; are ailixed to a bent axle 70, and the other end has a roller 73. A spring 74 exerts pressure on the leg channel 71. This pressure keeps the channel 71 pushed back past stop pin 72. In the up position, the bent arm or axle 70 lies to the back of the tab on bracket 53. Pin 75 is a stop for the leg in down position.

The FIGURES 9 and 10 show the detent cut out 59 in runner angle 52 and the rear roller 32 resting in the detent S9. The roller bracket 31 supports the roller by means of an axle rivet 37.

FIGURE 14 is a view of the cable layout and the relative motion of each element therein. The rollers 54 mounted on horizontal axles are for redirect-ing'the. cable 80. The upper rollers 57 and lower rollers 58 are mounted on substantially vertical axles. The cable 80 is crossed by having the cable go from roller 58 to roller 57 and vice versa. As is illustrated cable 80 may be made of one piece and joined by means of a cable connector 82, thus forming an endless cable means. On the rear of frame 30 are clip holes 34. which are adapted to accept clips 81. When thus used, the cable 80 will have anequal movement in every element. Thus one of the attached clips 81 being moved to or away from roller 54 will have an equal and corresponding movement on the other clip 81, in this manner parallel movement of the frame 20 is maintained,

Construction- As shown in FIGURE 4, my invention is. designed to furnish a sloped seat and alevel sleeping surface. Further the unitis a combination of elements. whereby the furniture frame is strengthened and reinforced by the use of my unit. By utilizing the strengthening feature and providing a lateral support the lowersupport unit- 50 permits the use of a furniture frame 60 with or without a front piece.

As the unit is constructed to permit the design of a sloped seat so also are the locking devices. To prevent any rolling of the upper frame while being used as a sitting means, the detent retains the rear roller and thus restricts thev upper frame from tending to roll up the slope particularly when a person leans against the back causing a forward motion on the seat. To prevent any considerable. thrust to. cause the. upper frame to roll out of the detent, which is a minor retardment, the leg locks. prevent the unwanted, opening of the unit. The double lock thus afforded prevents children or others from accidental 013511. ing. A further intent is. to make sure that both legs are in a proper down position for rolling before the unit is,

able to, be rolled outward.

Ease of operation is provided by the rollers 31 at the rear of the upper frame30 and the grooved rollers 54 at the frontof the bottom support unit 50. The upper frame 30 is kept in alignment by the two grooved rollers 54 and the affixed cable 80- as assembled, and as illustrated in. FIGURE 1.4. The upper cables 80 operate in the same direction, thus by having a taut cable assembly and the upper frame 30 aifixed at the rear point 34, to the cables 80, permits the upper frame 30. toroll in and out and; still maintain alignment. This condition persists, no matter where the upper frame is grasped in order to open or close.

Operation As shown in the figures, in a seat construction either sofa or upholstered chair, the upper frame 30 is pushed in so as to permit the rear wheels 32 to rest in detent 59. Inaddition, the unit is locked against unintended or accidental opening by means of the bent rod 70 which engages bracket tab 53, when the legs 71 are in the up position. Further in the closed condition the cushion part 6613- rests upon cushion part 66A. Whether hinged by a cloth tab or separate, the double thickness of the cushion- 66 gives a most comfortable seating medium,

To open and" prepare as a sleeping accommodation the following procedure and mechanical functions are performed. The operator reaches under the front of the facing 57 and lowers legs '71 by pulling forward and compressing spring 74 sufiiciently to bring leg 71 forward of stop pin 72, thus enabling the leg to be rotated 90 or more downward. The downward motion is such as to cause the leg 71 to go slightly past the vertical and come to rest against stop pin 75. Since the unit is on a slope the rollers 73 do not touch the floor. The unit can now be pulled forward. Grasping the front 67 if such is a part of the design or any front part of upper frame 30 a small jerk will cause the rear rollers 32 to move out of the detent 59, then continuing the pull the grooved rollers, 54 and rear rollers 32 will permit easy rolling motion and upper frame 30 will continue to move up and forward until the unit reaches a balance point over grooved rollers 54. At this point the upper frame 36 will drop the wheels '73 of the legs 71 to the floor and the forward progress will continue on these four rolling members. Before the forward motion is complete the cable loops 44 engage the cable clips 35 causing the swing frame 40, to move forward. The links 41 and 42 cause the frame 40 to, lift the rear part more than the front. The upper frame 30 having traveled the maximum forward distance as limited by roller 32 coming up to grooved roller 54, the swing frame at} will come to rest against upper frame 3%) and the links 42 and 41 are rotated past the vertical effectinga gravitational lock. The swing frame 46 is assisted in its lift by means of the springs 55 which in effect make the swing frame nearly weightless and permit as nearly an effortless operation as practical. The cable assemblies assures the constant alignment of the upper frame 39 and the grooved pulleys 54 limit the side play of the upper frame 3ft. After the completion of the opening of the unit cushion 66B, is either turned or placed on the springs unit 68 or a board section sup,- port in place of the springs. In this manner the sleeping unit is converted, from the seating unit. To convert to a seating unit the opening procedure is reversed.

It is thus shown that a convertible article of furniture is economically provided for home or ofiice whereby both seating and sleeping facilities are easily provided with a minimal amount of inconvenience and effort.

The above disclosure is by way of illustration and while a specific embodiment has been shown and described it will of course be understood that various. other modifications may be devised by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and found in the true spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A convertible seating mechanism comprising in combination:

a. av bottom framework structure and a first roller support attached thereto,

b. a swing frame which is link connected to the bottom framework and adapted to rest thereon,

c. an upper framework with a second roller means attached thereto, said upper framework being sup ported on the first roller support means and second roller means, whereby the upper framework is moveable laterally out and in.

d. a tie brace attached to the. upper framework, and

having cable engaging clips attached thereto,

e. a cable loop means attached to the swing frame and engaging and slideable on the tie brace so that as the upper framework is moved outward the cable loop means slides on the tie brace until engaging the cable engaging clips whence the swing frame is moved forward and upward on links,

a parallel cable assembly comprising a cable formed into an endless cable, the cable co-acting in roller guides affixed to the bottom framework structure, the cable also being attached to each end of the upper framework whereby as the upper framework is moved out and in, the parallel cable causes an equal movement in both ends of the upper framework.

2. Structure according to claim 1 wherein a spring means is attached to the bottom framework structure, said spring means adapted to urge the swing frame into a predisposed position above the bottom framework.

3. Structure according to claim 2 wherein the upper framework has a manual operated leg support, said leg support comprising a channel member one end of which has a roller the other end having an axle attached, the axle being at right angles to the channel member, the

xle member further having one end bent at an angle, the axle being retained by a bracket bearing support, the bent end of the axle adapted to engage a bracket atfixed to the bottom framework structure when the leg support is turned to a position parallel to the upper framework, and further that the channel member of said leg support engages a stop pin to prevent the accidental turning of the leg support.

4. Structure according to claim 3 wherein shallow detents are formed in the bottom framework, the detents so arranged as to engage and receive the second roller means of the upper framework when the unit is used in a closed seating position, whereby the weight of the persons sitting on the structure will tend to hold the second roller means in the detents preventing unwanted movement of the upper framework.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 199,320 Seng Jan. 15, 1878 327,605 Shaw Oct. 6, 1885 542,374 Sauerbier et a1 July 9, 1895 2,000,471 Moore May 7, 1935 2,178,923 Stewart Nov. 7, 1939 2,639,441 Vakassian May 26, 1953 2,744,266 Kaehn May 8, 1956 2,937,384 Possum May 24, 1960 2,943,333 Blecker et a1 July 5, 1960 

1. A CONVERTIBLE SEATING MECHANISM COMPRISING IN COMBINATION; A. A BOTTOM FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE AND A FIRST ROLLER SUPPORT ATTACHED THERETO, B. A SWING FRAME WHICH IS LINK CONNECTED TO THE BOTTOM FRAMEWORK AND ADAPTED TO REST THEREON, C. AN UPPER FRAMEWORK WITH A SECOND ROLLER MEANS ATTACHED THERETO, SAID UPPER FRAMEWORK BEING SUPPORTED ON THE FIRST ROLLER SUPPORT MEANS AND SECOND ROLLER MEANS, WHEREBY THE UPPER FRAMEWORK IS MOVEABLE LATERALLY OUT AND IN. D. A TIE BRACE ATTACHED TO THE UPPER FRAMEWORK, AND HAVING CABLE ENGAGING CLIPS ATTACHED THERETO, E. A CABLE LOOP MEANS ATTACHED TO THE SWING FRAME AND ENGAGING AND SLIDEABLE ON THE TIE BRACE SO THAT AS THE UPPER FRAMEWORK IS MOVED OUTWARD THE CABLE LOOP MEANS SLIDES ON THE TIE BRACE UNTIL ENGAGING THE CABLE ENGAGING CLIPS WHENCE THE SWING FRAME IS MOVED FORWARD AND UPWARD ON LINKS, F. A PARALLEL CABLE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CABLE FORMED INTO AN ENDLESS CABLE, THE CABLE CO-ACTING IN ROLLER GUIDES AFFIXED TO THE BOTTOM FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE, THE CABLE ALSO BEING ATTACHED TO EACH END OF THE UPPER FRAMEWORK WHEREBY AS THE UPPER FRAMEWORK IS MOVED OUT AND IN, THE PARALLEL CABLE CAUSES AN EQUAL MOVEMENT IN BOTH ENDS OF THE UPPER FRAMEWORK. 